Schismus barbatus is an annual herb, up to 40 cm tall. The leaves are alternate with irregular jagged edges. Local name of Schismus barbatus is Mediterranean grass. Schismus barbatus commonly used as fodder. Leaves are utilized by desert tortoises and the seeds are eaten by desert rodents. This plant is not preferred by either livestock or by big game animals. It is used to some extent by rodents and small mammals…………….

Description

Schismus barbatus is an annual herb, up to 40 cm tall. The leaves are alternate with irregular jagged edges. The leaf is rolled in the bud, ligules composed of short and long hairs. Auricles absent. The stem is smooth for the most part with scattered soft hairs. There are many weak stems 2 to 14 inches in length, with very narrow leaf blades.

The flowering part is a small cluster of short purplish branches grouped close together on the upper part of the stem, 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long. The inflorescence is a narrow, erect, greenish-purple panicle (branched, cluster), produced in spring. The blades are narrowly linear, 5-10cm long, 0.5-2mm wide and curled inward.

Uses

Schismus barbatus commonly used as fodder. Schismus barbatus has become an important component of the winter-early spring annual vegetation of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, especially in disturbed or open areas among shrubs. Leaves are utilized by desert tortoises and the seeds are eaten by desert rodents.

This plant is not preferred by either livestock or by big game animals. It is used to some extent by rodents and small mammals.